Newsletter Date Councillor’s Newsletter October 28, 2016 KEEPING YOU INFORMED

Councillor’s View INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Dear residents, Carp at Hazeldean Traffic Inquiries 2 Erica Wiebe Gymnasium Commemoration Ceremony 2 I’ve been receiving a few questions regarding ’s Light Remembrance Day Parade 3 Rail Transit (LRT) system and how the transfer from “regular Service Adjustments to OC Transpo 2018 Network 4 route” to “express route” will impact customers. Stittsville Medical Imaging Centre 6

Many changes will be occurring incrementally throughout the Flu Clinics 7 year with some of the shifts beginning as early as this winter. I Have THAT Talk 7 have inquired with traffic staff with some of the more common …and more! questions and compiled the following information for residents’ convenience. routes that culminate in Stittsville will be greatly reduced, and

these buses very possibly will be so full that they will not even In 2017 buses to Kanata & Stittsville 252, 256, 261, 262, 263, stop at Tunney's. What mitigating measures will be taken to 264, 265, 267, 268 & 269 won't stop at Westboro, Dominion, ensure that Stittsville residents continue to receive timely and Lincoln Fields, or . Will OC Transpo be assured transportation? notifying riders of this change?

The change to the stopping pattern on the Connexion routes to OC Transpo will be supplying detailed information to Stittsville – Routes 261, 262, and 263 – is specifically being customers through octranspo.com, on board buses, and at the made to ensure that there will be capacity available for stations affected. The information to customers will begin customers travelling to Stittsville. By removing service at the dissemination in mid-November. stations along the after Tunney’s Pasture, customers

travelling to those stations are required to use other services, Will larger buses/more buses be sent to accommodate the primarily Rapid routes like Routes 91, 92, 94, 95, 97, and 97. increased ridership?

Is there a possibility to implement earlier/later routes for the Capacity will be increased on routes where a net ridership current express routes in Stittsville? increase is expected. The unified fare will allow some customers to move from a Rapid route to a Connexion route, Based on the suggestions provided, OC Transpo staff are and the revised stopping pattern will require short-distance currently evaluating the benefits, costs, and financial feasibility travellers to move from a Connexion route to a Rapid route. to add earlier or later service. Ridership levels and changes in ridership patterns will continue to be monitored in case any further capacity I would like to also take a moment to thank all residents for adjustments are required. their patience during this transition. Light Rail Transit is a huge

shift for the entire City of Ottawa and while changes will be Has OC Transpo taken into account the effect that the LRT will necessary in ensuring its success, I am also confident that what have on buses? we will see by the end of the process is a consistent twenty-first

century transportation system that will benefit Ottawa residents The changes that are being made during 2017 and 2018 are for many years to come. all to integrate the bus service with the improved travel that the O-Train will provide. There are If you have any questions that were not answered in this article, expectations that there will be an increase in system ridership please do not hesitate to share them with me and I will be happy over the medium term as new customers are attracted by the to compile a second set of frequently asked questions alongside improved reliability and comfort, and as employment levels in OC Transpo. Please email all questions to downtown are able to increase with the increased [email protected]. Thank you. transportation capacity. Sincerely,

Shad Residents are concerned that the option to take the express

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Carp at Hazeldean Traffic Inquiries

I’ve been hearing concerns from several residents over the past few months regarding the intersection at Carp Road and Hazeldean. Many residents feel as though an advance left turn signal needs to be implemented for vehicles turning eastbound from Hazeldean onto Carp Road. This has been a major discussion for at least two years with traffic staff and I am happy to supply an update.

Having discussed this concern with the City’s Traffic Department, Traffic Staff conducted review on 12 hours of video footage of the intersection during morning rush-hour over the last two months. The footage concludes that while eastbound traffic turning left from Hazeldean onto Carp Road (toward the 417) is high, it does not spill out of the left-turn storage lane. Secondly, there is a very low volume of westbound traffic on Hazeldean Road to interfere with eastbound drivers turning left. Overall, traffic staff concluded that eastbound left-turn vehicles experienced an excellent level of service, and therefore did not recommend that any traffic signal changes be made at this time.

Traffic staff also took time to review suggestions to create a dedicated right turn lane at this intersection as drivers in the northbound curbside lane are often not expected to continue straight through the intersection. However, as analysis has shown that this would nearly double the northbound straight through queue length during all periods of the day, this was not recommended.

I hope that this helps to resolve some residents’ inquiries regarding this intersection. Of course, should residents have any alternative ideas/questions, I encourage you to contact my office by emailing me at [email protected] or by phoning me at 613.580.2476.

Erica Wiebe Gymnasium Commemoration Ceremony

As announced at her homecoming party on August 25th, the Goulbourn Recreation Complex (GRC) Gymnasium will be undergoing a commemorative naming for Olympic gold-medalist and Stittsville- born Erica Wiebe.

Erica came out on top in the Women’s Freestyle 75-kilogram wrestling category, earning Canada’s fourth, and final gold medal in the Rio Summer Olympics this year.

As the City Councillor of Stittsville, I am thrilled to bestow this honour onto Erica and her family on behalf of the

Keeping You Informed Page 3 community and would like to invite all residents to share this moment on November 1st from 7:00- 8:00 PM. The event will be held at the GRC, 1500 Shea Rd, right beside Sacred Heart High School where Erica spent the formative years of her life developing her love of wrestling. The gym is a second home to many impressionable future Olympians.

Stittsville Remembrance Day Parade

I would like to invite all residents to the Stittsville Legion Remembrance Day parade. The parade will commence November 11th at 1:45 PM, departing from the Legion Branch 618 on 1480 Stittsville Main and concluding with a ceremonial service at the Stittsville Cenotaph from 2:30-2:45 PM.

Please be advised of potential road delays north on Stittsville Main and west on Warner-Copitts Lane during this time.

After the service has concluded, the parade participants will return to the Royal Canadian Legion east on Mulkins Street between the Stittsville Cenotaph and Stittsville Main Street, and south on Stittsville Main Street between Mulkins Street and the Stittsville+ Legion.

I encouraged you to wear your poppy this November 11th and I hope that many Stittsville residents will be able to make it out to this ceremony as we honour our fallen veterans and those still fighting for our country today. Poppy Blitz

The annual Legion Poppy Blitz will be taking place Sunday, October 30th from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Children from across the community will break out in groups with trays of poppies and canvass door to door.

I encourage all residents to be on the lookout and buy a poppy to show your pride for our Canadian troops. Rest assured that they aren’t simply enthusiastic trick or treaters.

For more information, please visit the Stittsville Legion website here.

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Service Adjustments in Transition to the 2018 Network

As you may know, transit service in Ottawa will be taking a significant shift in these upcoming months. Further to OC Transpo’s regular schedule adjustments, which take place four times a year – April, June, September and December, this includes service adjustments being made as part of the transition to the 2018 network.

Changes to the OC Transpo system will be made in several phases to be ready for the opening of the O-Train Confederation Line in 2018 and to ease the changes that will be experienced by customers. This winter, OC Transpo will begin to implement some of the adjustments that are required as part of the transition to the 2018 network.

On January 1, 2017, OC Transpo will implement several changes to the fare system, as approved by Council on June 22, that are required in coordination with the upcoming changes to the way transit services are delivered with the opening of the Confederation Line. Fare prices will be set by Council in the 2017 budget. These changes include:  The removal of premium fares for express routes and the requirement for fare upgrades in the morning peak period on Para Transpo service;  The recalibration of single-ride fares so that cash and e-purse prices are more closely aligned;  The replacement of the Student monthly pass with a new Youth monthly pass that will be available for all people aged 19 and under;  The removal of the requirement for fare upgrades on Para Transpo for Community Pass holders who are Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients; and,  The introduction of a new Access Pass, available to Para Transpo registrants who are not ODSP recipients, that will be priced the same as the Community Pass, for unlimited travel on conventional service and a one-third discount from the single-ride fare for trips on Para Transpo.

ROUTE RENUMBERING

New route numbers that are consistent with the Bus Service Identification report received by the Transit Commission in June, will be introduced in phases on many routes throughout the network. Most current express routes will be renumbered into the 200-series as Connexion routes, and routes that will operate all day and will connect with the Confederation Line either are being renumbered with or retain a two-digit number.

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KANATA NORTH ROUTE REALIGNMENT

Following consultation with customers, residents and Kanata North Councillor, Marianne Wilkinson, a new transit service plan in Kanata North will be implemented to serve the new park and ride lot at Innovation Station, to improve service for residents and businesses in the area, and to be ready for the opening of the Confederation Line.

 Current Routes 60 and 93 will be replaced, and current Route 64 will be modified. Service will be provided by new all-day Routes 63 and 64;  New Route 264 will replace the southern part of current Route 64 for peak period service between Kanata Lakes, , and downtown;  Route 165 will be modified to serve Innovation Station and the Briarbrook community, east of March Road;  Current Route 181 will be changed to operate along Terry Fox, Legget, Solandt, Hines and Innovation Drive to Innovation Station, and will be renumbered as Route 166;  All Route 182 trips will start/end at 2500 Solandt Road instead of at the Richcraft Recreation Complex or Carling Campus, and,  School trips currently on Route 93 serving Bell High School will be renumbered as new Route 660, and these trips, as well as Route 674 serving All Saints Catholic High School, will be revised to operate via March Road.

COMBINATION OF EXPRESS AND LOCAL ROUTES

As indicated in the Bus Service Identification report received by the Transit Commission in June 2016, service will be restructured where current express and local routes serve the same areas and stops.

AFTERNOON STOP CHANGES ON WEST-END EXPRESS ROUTES

In preparation for the opening of the O-Train Confederation Line, and consistent with changes that were made to east-end express routes in 2015, the stopping pattern on afternoon homebound trips on the current west-end express routes will be revised.  In the afternoon, buses to Kanata and Stittsville on Routes 252, 256, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 267, 268 and 269 will not stop at Westboro, Dominion, Lincoln Fields, and Pinecrest Stations. Customers who are travelling from those stations to Kanata and Stittsville will connect to these routes at Bayshore Station;  In the afternoon, buses to on Routes 270, 271, 272, 273 and 277 will not stop at Westboro, Dominion, Lincoln Fields, Queensway, Iris, or Baseline Stations. Customers who are travelling from those stations to Barrhaven will connect to these routes at Fallowfield Station;

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 In the afternoon, buses to Richmond and Munster on Route 283 will not stop at Westboro or Dominion Stations. Customers who are travelling from those stations to Richmond and Munster will connect at ;  No change is being made to the afternoon stopping pattern for east-end Connexion routes, which already operate non-stop from Laurier Station; and,  No change is being made to the stopping pattern on morning trips to downtown.

OTHER SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS

As part of OC Transpo’s ongoing regular work, other adjustments will be made to meet the changing travel needs of customers: o Eastbound trips from Kanata and Stittsville on Routes 63, 64, 256, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 267, 268, 269 and 283 will serve Bayshore Station at all times in the morning, to provide a consistent connection point for customers traveling to the Department of National Defence at Carling Campus on Moodie Drive. o The departure times of some Route 162 trips in the evening will be adjusted to better accommodate shift end times at Tanger Mall.

Full details of these service changes will be communicated to customers through November and December with the use of printed and electronic materials, as well as direct customer outreach. The onboard next-stop announcement system will be used to alert customers on specific routes leading up to the service change. You can also reach out to octranspo.com or to the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre (613-741-4390) for more information. Once the new service begins, customers can find up-to-date schedules by using octranspo.mobi or the MyTransit iPhone app, by calling 613- 560-1000, or by texting 560560.

I hope that residents find this information helps to clear up some of their questions regarding the new system changes. Of course, should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

Stittsville Medical Imaging Centre

On Thursday, I was pleased to stop by and welcome the new Stittsville Medical Imaging Centre to the community. The branch can be found at 1609 Stittsville Main St and I encourage residents to consider their services which include X-rays and ultrasound exams, including prenatal 3D ultrasounds.

Last year I connected with the business’ new owners and asked

Keeping You Informed Page 7 for Stittsville’s thoughts on such a service which was received with an overwhelmingly positive response.

This is a valuable new addition to Stittsville as many residents certainly look forward to the added convenience of medical facilities within our area.

If you are interested in learning more about the services, please contact Dr. Gregory Davies at [email protected].

Flu Clinics 2016-2017

It is that time of year again: Flu season.

As Chair of the Ottawa Board of Health I invite you to review the various flu clinics, where you may receive your flu vaccine, that are being held throughout the city. Your best shot at beating the flu is by getting your flu vaccine. The earlier you are vaccinated, the better your chances are to prevent flu symptoms from occurring.

The flu is not just a cold; it is a serious viral infection that can have severe complications. Anyone can get the flu virus and it could result in missing school, work, parties, holidays, or you could even end up in the hospital.

For more information about the flu and frequently asked question you can visit here.

Help Eliminate the Stigma of Mental Health in the Workplace and “have THAT talk”

There is no health without mental health and this week, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and the Mental Health Commission of Canada have launched a new video campaign to help Canadians to ‘have THAT talk’ about mental health in the workplace.

The videos provide realistic examples and strategies for each of the 13 factors that are part of a mentally healthy and safe workplace. These factors include psychological and social support, balance, engagement, workload management, growth/development, clear leadership and

Page 8 Keeping You Informed expectations, psychological protection, organizational culture, involvement/influence, protection and physical safety, civility and respect, recognition and reward, and psychological demands.

Mental health is often heard but rarely acknowledged. It is every bit as important as physical health in the workplace and yet its importance is not emphasized nearly as much. Moreover, mental health disability claims have actually overtaken cardiovascular disease as the fastest growing category of disability costs in Canada.

As Chair of the Board of Health, I believe these videos start conversation and are incredibly useful tools for any employer to use in analyzing the overall mental health of their workplace. Oftentimes, people may not even be aware that there is a problem until it is too late – that is the stigma which still surrounds mental health to this day.

I encourage everyone to take a moment to watch some of the videos and put themselves in another worker’s position. Then, have THAT talk with those around you. You might be surprised at the results.

The video series was developed by Ottawa Public Health and the Mental Health Commission of Canada, with content adapted from Mindful Employer Canada and support from Bell Let’s Talk. The white-board illustration-style videos are based on content from the voluntary National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.

For more information on the campaign, please visit haveTHATtalk.ca or call the OPH Information Line at 613-580-6744. Thank you for being a part of the solution.

Music Night at the Grounds

The Grounds Café will be hosting a music night on November 3rd with local musician and entertainer Leo Maiorino as a musical guest.

Leo is a well-known artist in the Ottawa area, performing in local establishments for many years. I hope that interested residents will stop by for this true coffee house performance as you sing along for a fun night.

The event begins at 7:15 and seating is limited. For more information, please contact the Grounds Café on facebook.

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Lion(ette)s’ Christmas Craft & Bake Sale

Once Halloween is over, Christmas will be on its way.

The Stittsville and District Lionettes are having a Christmas Craft and Bake Sale on November 12 and I would like to invite all residents to stop by,

The event will take place in the Lions Hall at 1339 Stittsville Main St and will run from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Interested vendors are encouraged to participate and can inquire by calling 613-839-1331 for pricing and table arrangements.

For more information on the Stittsville Lions club, please visit their website here.

Stittsville Goulbourn Horticultural Society 2016 Annual General Meeting

The Stittsville Goulbourn Horticultural Society (SGHS) is holding their annual general meeting on Tuesday, November 15th at the Stittsville United Church on Fernbank Road. Doors will open at 6:00 pm, followed by a potluck dinner at 6:30 pm, and the meeting at 7:30 pm.

I hope that all eager horticulturalists looking to get involved for the upcoming gardening season to take a moment to stop by.

The AGM and potluck will be held in the Lower Hall of the church on 6255 Fernbank Road (at the corner of Stittsville Main Street).

For more information on the SGHS and how to get involved, please visit their website here.

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FCA Meeting

The next Fairwinds Community Association meeting will take place on Monday, November 14 and I hope that all interested community members have a chance to make it out. The meeting will be held at the Pretty Street Community Centre and will run from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.

Kevin Pidgeon from the Nautical Lands Group will be a guest speaker, supplying an overview of the “Wellings of Stittsville” development near Hazeldean Road. Residents are encouraged to ask questions prior to the City’s official consultation which will take place at a later date.

For more information visit FairwindsCommunity.com or email [email protected].

Paul-Desmarais École Secondaire Catholique Fundraising for foodbanks

Paul-Desmarais École secondaire catholique is organizing a fund raiser for the food banks of Ottawa through a foot race called: "La Course des Patriotes". It is a 5km, 10km or a 2km family walk. The event will take place Saturday morning, October 29th, starting at 9:00 a.m. The starting and finishing lines will be at the school. Students from the CECCE school board are welcome to partipate by donating cans of food. Parents and friends from the community can also participate with a $10.00 donation. This money will help pay for any costs related to the run of the race and any profits will go towards the sports programmes at the school.

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The city has approved the race and the following closure will take place during the race-the inside of: The events will be limited to the sidewalks, shoulders (or roadway where no shoulders exist) of Robert-Grant, Fernbank, Shea and Abbott (outlining a square).

Police officers are volunteering to make sure traffic is safely managed at the intersections.

Roundabout Recap

I would like to take a moment to remind residents of to exercise proper access and safety when maneuvering traffic circles/roundabouts.

With the summer’s new pedestrian crossovers now in place, it is more essential than ever to be confident with the proper methodology of entering and exiting traffic circles. Drivers and cyclists caught ignoring PXO rules will be fined $150-500 with 3 demerit points.

An in-depth guide and interactive video are both available at the City of Ottawa website and I encourage all residents to take a moment to refresh themselves with the City’s rules regarding right-of-ways and yielding.

Ontario Municipal Board Review

I would like to invite all residents to participate in a Public Town Hall Meeting to learn about the Ontario Municipal Board’s (OMB) current role in the land use planning process. The board hopes to hear a broad array of public perspectives and to review and comment on changes the government is considering. You are encouraged to RSVP online, by email to [email protected] or call 416-585-6014 or 1-855- 776-8011.

I would like to thank the Attorney General’s office, Yasir Naqvi, for helping in the process of initiating this review.

The meeting will be held November 9th at St Anthony’s Banquet Hall, 523 St. Anthony St. and RSVPs are encouraged before November 4th. Registration and an open house will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The town halls will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at 9:30 p.m.

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The date, time and venue location is subject to change and periodic updates may occur. Please visit the Town Hall Meetings website closer to the date to ensure you receive the most current information.

Residents are also invited to submit their written comments and feedback on OMB reform by December 19, 2016.

If you have any further questions about the Review or the upcoming regional town hall sessions, I encourage residents to email [email protected] or call 1-855-776-8011.

Further information about the OMB Review is available online at ontario.ca/OMBReview.

Trick or Treat with the Mayor in support of the Ottawa Food Bank’s Baby Basics Program

Join Mayor Jim Watson on Saturday, October 29th at Ottawa City Hall from 4 to 7 p.m. for the Mayor’s 10th annual Halloween gathering in support of the Ottawa Food Bank’s Baby Basics Program.

Trick or Treat with the Mayor provides safe Halloween fun for everyone, and is a wonderful opportunity for local families to help others by donating essential food and supplies to the Ottawa Food Bank’s Baby Basics Program.

Festivities begin along Trick or Treat Terrace on Marion Dewar Plaza where everyone is invited to trick or treat with the Mayor, meet numerous costumed characters, decorate pumpkins, ride the Giant Tiger Express and visit Alley Cat Avenue. The excitement continues indoors with the Spider Web Café in Jean Pigott Place and children’s Halloween movies in Andrew S. Haydon Hall.

Admission to the Halloween party is a non-perishable donation to the Ottawa Food Bank’s Baby Basics Program.

The Baby Basics Program helps parents in need by providing items in high demand such as non- perishable baby food, formula, cereals, diapers and wipes. Chronic shortages of donations of these basic needs make stocking baby supplies one of the Food Bank’s most expensive, but most precious priorities.

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Mansion Mayhem – Children’s Halloween Workshop

The Goulbourn Museum is hosting a scary good time for children aged 6-11 this Sunday, October 30th. From 1:00-4:00 PM, parents/guardians may drop off their little ones at the Museum to decorate edible haunted houses, make creepy crafts and play ghoulish games.

To sign up, please email [email protected]. Registration is $25 per child or $20 for Kits’ Club Members. Space is limited so please check in advance!

To learn more about the museum and events like these, please click here. Stittsville Pumpkin Parade

Four years ago resident Trevor Eggleton had an idea that has grown to become a tradition that Stittsville looks forward to after Halloween, The Pumpkin Parade! On November 1st at the Village Square Park starting at 5 p.m. you are welcome to drop off your carved pumpkins. Both non-perishable food items and monetary donations are being accepted for the Stittsville Food Bank.

This event is organized by Stittsville resident Trevor Eggleton with the support of local sponsors, my office, and the City of Ottawa.

Volunteers are needed for this community event; please contact me if you are able to volunteer.

The Complex is Haunted

On Friday October 28th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the Goulbourn Recreation Complex is having a spook-tacular event. Everyone is welcome. You can come out and show off your Halloween costume. There are many activities to

Page 14 Keeping You Informed participate in; Haunted House, Pumpkin Painting, and Cookie Decorating are just a few.

There will be a haunted family skate at 6:15 p.m. until 7:05 p.m. and a haunted swim from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free however donations are being accepted in support of Tysen’s Mission to a Million.

Trick or Swim or Skate

Give the ghosts and goblins at your door a treat they will love! Purchase 10 public swim or skate tickets for only $10!

Tickets are for kids ages 3 to 15 and are valid from November 1 to January 31, 2017. Tickets are not valid for wave swims.

On sale October 1 to 31, while quantities last!

Trick or Swim or Skate Ticket Outlets

 Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex - Orléans 613-824-0819  Canterbury Pool 613-247-4865  Champagne Fitness Centre 613-244-4402  Deborah Anne Kirwan Pool 613-247-4820  François Dupuis Recreation Centre 613-580-8080  Goulbourn Recreation Complex 613-831-1169  Jack Purcell Pool 613-564-1050  Kanata Leisure Centre 613-591-9283  Lowertown Pool 613-244-4406  Nepean Sportsplex 613-580-2828  Pinecrest Recreation Complex 613-828-3118  Plant Recreation Centre 613-232-3000  Ray Friel Recreation Complex 613-830-2747  Richcraft Recreation Complex-Kanata 613-580-9696  Sawmill Creek Pool 613-521-4092  St-Laurent Recreation Complex 613-742-6767  Splash Wave Pool 613-748-4222  Walter Baker Sports Complex 613-580-2788  Kanata Recreation Complex 613-580-2666  Jim Durell Recreation Complex 613-247-4811  McNabb Recreation Complex 613-564-1070

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Teal Pumpkin Project

I would like to take a moment to share a unique campaign with residents that has been circulating households this October.

The Teal Pumpkin Project hopes to make a more inclusive Halloween for children with food allergies that may sometimes feel left out when it comes to treats.

By leaving a teal coloured pumpkin on your doorstep this October 31st, you will be indicating to trick-or-treaters young and old that you will have non-food items for distribution. Teal pumpkins are available for purchase by local retailers or for a more cost efficient solution, some residents have suggested painting your own teal pumpkins as a family with paint from the dollar store!

This is a wonderful idea to make Halloween more inclusive and exciting for all children. To learn more about the project or to print a free informative poster to hang above your pumpkins for trick- or-treater’s knowledge, you can visit their website here.

7 ways to stay party-safe for Halloween

Halloween is quickly approaching and Ottawa Public Health has some great tips for you to plan your event to be safe and enjoyable.

Overdoses, whether from drugs, alcohol or a combination of both, are completely preventable and could put you in the hospital this October 31st.

It’s rarely known to the user or the dealer what’s in a party drug such as cocaine. If you don’t trust the origins of anything being ingested into your body, the safest choice is to just say no. Cocaine cut with Fentanyl, an opiate drug 100 X stronger than morphine, has been found in Ottawa and puts users at an extremely high risk of overdose death, especially if you don’t know you’re taking it.

1. It’s never a good idea to mix. Using more than one drug at a time increases the risk of overdose. Don’t forget alcohol is a drug! If you are planning to drink, don’t add in other substances. 2. Stay hydrated and take breaks. Especially if dancing. If you’re drinking alcohol, try to alternate your drinks with water. 3. Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Not even water! There is an increased risk of alcohol- and drug-facilitated sexual assaults at any large event.

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4. Stay with your group. Stick with people you trust and plan ahead by choosing a meeting spot if you get separated. 5. Speak up! Don’t be afraid to say you feel unsafe or don’t feel well. You may need some down time; seek help from your friends or bar staff. 6. Plan a safe ride home. Plan how you’ll get home BEFORE the party, especially if you don’t have a designated driver; plan your bus route or cab ride in advance. And remember…impaired walking or cycling is not a safe way to get home. 7. Do you know how to spot an overdose? If you see these signs, get help for yourself or a friend:  Slow, shallow or difficulty breathing and/ or bluish lips  Changes in their level of consciousness including confusion  Inability to walk or loss of balance  Vomiting  Seizures

From my office to you, please remember to be safe within your own comfortable limits this Halloween and never do drugs and drive.

For tips from the Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines, please click here.

For any other information, please visit: http://OttawaPublicHealth.ca or call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at: 613-560-6744 Remain on Alert for Halloween “Tricks”

With “creepy” clown sightings taking place across the globe as of late, I would like to remind families to remain cognizant of their surroundings whenever walking outdoors. Although no incidences have occurred in the Ottawa area requiring police involvement as of yet, harassment and the perpetuation of fear are no laughing matter.

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It is also important to note that individuals inciting these scares are doing so to invoke fear. Carry on your routine as expected and pay them no mind and the excitement should diminish soon enough.

With Halloween right around the corner, acts of reckless vandalism tend to rise as well. I would ask that residents keep a close eye on neighbourhood activity at night and ensure that parents speak with their children to be respectful of other peoples’ properties.

Happy Halloween!

I would like to wish residents a very happy and safe Halloween this year as always. Please consume your treats responsibly and regardless of whether you are trick or treating with the little ones or celebrating with the scary monsters, remember to plan your night in advance and never drink and drive.

If you know a Stittsville resident of Ward 6 that would like to be added to my weekly electronic outreach list, please have them contact my office to ensure they receive pertinent information concerning our community. Further information about any of these articles can be found on my website or you can contact my office to obtain details.

TO UNSUBSCRIBE PLEASE REQUEST TO BE REMOVED FROM MAILING LIST via [email protected]

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Is there something you would have liked to see in this newsletter? If you have/know of any stories of interest in relation to Stittsville, I would love to hear them. Please share with me at [email protected].